"You said you know demonic control gems are hard to find," Leonia said to Aiden. "Do you know why?"
"No."
"Their scarcity comes from their reckless use decades ago, which forced the kings of every kingdom to order their destruction."
"All of them?" Lyra asked. "Then why do they still exist?"
"Because not everyone agreed with the kings' stance. Some chose to hide the gems, keeping them out of the governments' reach. My grandfather, the former mayor of this village, was one of those who opposed their destruction."
"Why?" Maya asked. "Why safeguard something so dangerous?"
"Because my grandfather and others believed these gems could one day be incredibly useful. And I share that belief."
"Useful?" Aiden scoffed. "An object that dangerous only brings trouble if it falls into the wrong hands."
"That's true. But we're not the wrong hands."
"And how do we know that?" Aiden pressed.
"If my theories are correct, you'll find out for yourself in a few years."
"Then tell us," Maya said, her voice challenging. "What could possibly justify using one of those gems?"
Leonia hesitated for a few seconds, unsure whether to speak the truth. When she finally did, her eyes burned with a conviction that left Aiden stunned.
"A future war against demons."
. . .
Aiden, Lyra, and Maya left the village, walking in silence for several minutes.
"A war against demons…" Lyra said, her gaze lost on the horizon. "Is that even possible?"
"If you'd asked me that a couple of years ago, I'd have said no," Maya replied. "But now, I'm not so sure."
"Why's that?"
"In my recent travels, I've noticed demons popping up more and more. I don't know what's causing it, but something bad feels like it's brewing."
"Wow… so what Leonia said might not be so far-fetched," Lyra said. "What bugs me most is that Leonia now sees us as enemies."
"Not much we can do about that," Aiden said. "If Leonia turns out to be trustworthy, time will tell. For now, we should get back to our journey, Lyra."
Smiling at Aiden's words, Lyra summoned her eagle, Icara.
"Guess this is where our alliance ends," Maya said.
"Looks like it," Lyra replied. "Where you headed now? I can have Icara detour from our route to get you to your destination faster."
"Thanks, princess, but I'm good," Maya said. "I like traveling on foot—it keeps me in shape."
"Do you have to be so rugged about everything?" Lyra asked, her tone playful.
"You could say that."
After exchanging smiles, Lyra climbed onto Icara, giving Aiden and Maya a moment alone.
"Thanks for helping us out, Maya," Aiden said.
"I should be the one thanking you," Maya replied. "Without you, I don't think I could've pulled off this mission."
"Will we see you again?"
"Of course. I'm always wandering, so we'll probably cross paths by chance. Besides… you'd like that, wouldn't you?"
Maya leaned close to Aiden's face, making him blush instantly.
"Maya… about what happened the other night…"
"Did you enjoy that kiss?"
"Of course. But that doesn't mean—"
Maya pressed a finger to Aiden's lips.
"You don't have to explain. Yesterday, while we were fighting, and you kept checking on Lyra, I realized your heart's somewhere else."
Maya gave Aiden a quick kiss on the cheek and whispered her next words before pulling away.
"But… if the next time I see you two you're still dancing around like you are now, I'll make sure you're mine."
Aiden grinned, amused by Maya's boldness.
After a friendly handshake, Aiden climbed onto Icara. With a final wave, Lyra ordered Icara to take flight, and soon Aiden and Lyra were soaring through the skies.
"What were you and Maya talking about?" Lyra asked.
"Nothing important… I've got a better question. Where are you taking us? I don't remember this being the way to Farore."
"I was thinking about it last night, and I figured we could buy a map somewhere else. It'll be cheaper, and we can save a few coins."
"Alright… and where's that?"
Lyra smiled.
"We're going to Sunhaven. My hometown. Ring any bells?"